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I'll be testing this week sometime.
Thanks for the info.
I haven't tried to fit bikes but be careful about scratching the plastic in the back. They will be coming out with a rubber cargo mat if they haven't already and that will help.
I currently have a 180hp 1.8T Jetta automatic, and I test drove the Matrix for the heck of it, a couple months ago. It was an XR automatic (no XRS models available to test back then). It was pitifully slow to me, alot more so than my Jetta is. I was surprised how slow the car was. It felt like a Celica, but a little less powerful. It was a pretty nice ride though.
Also, the matrix horsepower is actually higher than the 80's and early 90's 4Runner 4-cylinder, and only about 10% lower hp than the '96 on.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
And why I chose my car: I do animal rescue, so I'm thrilled *not* to have carpet in the cargo area. I'll deal with slip and slide with a gripper mat where needed. My current car has cat pee smells in the carpet, so I hate carpet - in cars or my house!
I also really like the flat layout of the cargo area, versus the slight raised portions in the Mazda Protege5, and that the Matrix front seat folds down. And rear cup holders for my 8 yr old daughter are very important to her.
My profile would be one posted earlier in this forum - a car for errand running, cargo hauling, plus kid and pet friendly. I'm not a youngster, so the sounds and speed mean nothing to me, although the moonroof and Nav system are real important. I map everything on the computer, and will use it in my car as well. Dear husband is one who hates to ask directions, so this will help him too! ;-)
I sign the papers tomorrow...I'll be happy to have the car by Christmas.
Carrie
CJLOFTUS.. have you tried "OUT" oder remover and/or a steam cleaner, like a Little Green machine???
Interested in a Toyota Matrix XRS. I went to my local dealer to be told the XRS has been discontinued. A second dealer confirmed it. This must be the single stupidest move Toyota could have made. If I were to purchase a Matrix XR model and tack on all the extras, it would still cost me as much as, or even more than, the XRS, and I'd have 50 less horsepower and no four-wheel disc brakes. Please warn others.
Do you think that this is true or this person might have misunderstood a salesman at both dealerships?
Thanks for the tips.
BTW I don't think the XRS is a waste of money. If you take an XR and add a bunch of options it comes out almost the same price as the XRS so why not go for the bigger engine?
By the way the XRS is not discontinued...In fact my dealer told me the demand is still very high for them...
Throw in extras like 4 wheel discs brakes, 4 wheel ABS, 17" vs 16" wheels, a security system, 110 volt on the dash, upgraded stereo, full aero package, driving lights, etc. etc. and I (and countless others) feel the XRS is well worth the couple of extra bucks a month...it does cost more...but it also delivers more. The XRS with the Celica GTS drivetrain also retails for almost $10,000 less than the Celica GTS. When I tell people how the vehicle retails @ $25k (canadian), they are very impresssed. Many have guessed well over $30k (canadian) for that much performance in such a versatile wrapper AND with a Toyota name on it. I have no regrets whatsoever in getting the XRS over the XR.
Now, that low contrast odometer and temp display, that's another matter..!!
The XR has a height adjustable seat, which is what we bought for that reason due to the big difference in height between my wife and I. It is manually adjustable however, and isn't something I'd want to do 2 or 3 times per day. An optional power seat would be nice, but....
thanks!
XR
celica
I have never heard of a lot of noise in the automatic xrs. I have a 6spd XRS. Good luck with your purchase of an XRS...let us know how that goes...
I can't really help you on pricing either as we are in Canadian dollars (my XRS retails @ $24,990cdn). Did you check out the "What did you pay" section?
The TRD site in the US is http://www.trdusa.com/ . They make lowering springs, mufflers, clutch sets etc for the Matrix. Also companies like Injen make CAI (Cold Air Intakes). I am not big into the "tuner" scene but I am sure there are lots of people that can help you...
(Owner's manual does not say.)
1matrix
The ONLY reason I'm considering the NAV is because I have to find addresses all day and I'm a menace on the road with a Thomas Guide map. Would this make me safer on the road, or will it have me fumbling with the radio. I want to keep my eyes on the road and hope the NAV might help me. Will it? Is it worth the dough?
Dave
However, as with any NAV system, it is safest to input data while the car is parked, and the manual gives plenty of warnings against doing it while driving. So it could take a while to get used to all the features the system provides. Planning and preparation are still essential, and the NAV system is not meant for "spontaneous" routing while driving.
In Japan, where NAV systems are more prevalent, the use of NAV systems while driving has been linked to increased rates of accidents (similar to cell-phone use). So it must be used with caution.
That being said, the NAV system in the Matrix seems like an excellent value for the money.
1matrix
Civic LX with auto
HIGHS: Well weighted steering, a "connected to the road feeling", really fun to drive. Good view over the hood. Minimal engine or wind noise. Good driver's armrest. Simple, no-nonsense pricing (LX,EX etc).
LOWS: Lots of road noise spoils the fun! Ride can be bumpy. Same old styling and color selection (would it hurt if they added just a little more pizzazz?)
Corolla LE with auto
HIGHS: Looks and feels expensive, roomy rear seat, higher seating, outside temperature gauge, better color selection than Civic.
LOWS: Steering felt very light (I could fall asleep at the wheel), sometimes floaty ride, more wind/engine noise than Civic, higher dashboard than Civic. Useless armrest. Not so simple pricing, lots of "options" but not as bad as Matrix (in this regard).
Matrix XR with auto
HIGHS: High seating position (one just slides into the seat), good view over dashboard, better steering feel than Corolla but not as good as Civic, better ride than Corolla (Matrix less floaty) or Civic (Matrix less bumpy). Very roomy seating and great flexibility for carrying cargo/people. Reasonable color selection.
LOWS: Instruments/gauges overdesigned at the expense of ergonomics(Pontiac/Toyota were trying too hard to make them look cool). Monotonous black/gray interior, a lighter contrast color would give it an airier feeling, IMHO. Useless armrest. Wind noise same as Corolla, and more than Civic. No folding mirrors for a vehicle that's almost 70" wide. Absurd looking mandatory "optional" ground effects. Even more absurd and overly complicated pricing with lots of options.
For my needs, the Matrix offered the best balance between driving fun and functionality. Unfortunately, Toyota has ruined the Matrix's appeal and styling with its absurd "options". I've heard that Honda will be out with the Stream/Latitude next year, and that may end up being the vehicle I finally buy.
I haven't looked at a Vibe. It's made at the GM NUMMI factory, so I am not as keen on it as the Matrix.
Toyota is tightly controlling different option availability on the Matrix. You can get ABS on a 2WD Matrix XR in the Southeast, where it doesn't snow or ice very often, but not here in Boston. You have to buy the XRS to get ABS here. I'll probably get mine in Baltimore, MD.
I've had dealerships tell me that they can order, but don't always get it.
You pays your money and you takes your chances.
Well I too have the same bubble on both front side windows. Passenger side has been replaced and driver side on back order. I also had a problem with the center storage under the shifter always popping open, it too is on back order but all is being replaced under warranty. Other then that I'm up to 16,000km and I'm as happy as can be with my Matrix. There will always be something little to whine about but hey you buy a car for the complete package not HP or Acceleration or a spoiler, etc etc.
P.S. I've seen a million people post, o.k. maybe 10 asking if there are any TRD accesories to boost up the Matrix base or XR. I too am curious and it looks like no for now.
I have my 4WD Matrix XR for about 2 months now. It has about 3,500 miles. I have the following questions for you:
1. When can I wax my car?? I heard somewhere that I have to wait at least 2 months before I can wax a new car. Is this true??
2. Timing belt on the Matrix XR. Is it plastic or metal??
3. What is the problem with bubble on Leafguy2727's front windows?? Are you talking about the plastic seal around the door?
So far I really enjoy my car I wish winter is here so I can test my 4WD system.
Thanks in advance for the helps.
O.K. All it is is the weather stripping that the window goes up in. I first noticed a small bubble, think of a worm scrunched up ready to move on the top part of the window.
**My dealer told me the new base/clear coat style paints can be waxed the day you pick it up at the dealership. Make sure you use a good quality wax, preferrably with a 3 step system (ie clean, polish, wax).
2. Timing belt on the Matrix XR. Is it plastic or metal??
**Both the VVT-i (130hp base and XR) and the VVTL-i (180hp XRS) use a low mass timing chain NOT a belt.
3. What is the problem with bubble on Leafguy2727's front windows?? Are you talking about the plastic seal around the door?
**already answered
Don't be hoping for winter yet!...it is too early brrrr
XRS Matrix 6spd with 8200km
There are some accessories available for the VVT-i engine, check out httt://www.matrixowners.com and there are several forums talking about exhaust, Cold air intakes, etc. There is even one guying doing a turbo package on his XR but he is running into some hold ups and he is not done yet!
I actually have the XRS...I know my name doesn't reflect it but I was going to order an XR until the prices came out and I found XRS was still very reasonable! Before pricing structure I asked the dealer what he though an XRS would retail at and thought just under 30k. I think this is one hell of an autombile for 24k canadian $$. I drove a $46,000 Highlander limited last week and preferred my Matrix in the FTD (Fun TO Drive) category and I could have 2 of them at that price!
But hey you know what opinions are like and everyone has one...
GO LEAFS...cup potential this year for sure!